Fall '10 Enrollment: Freshman, Transfer & Graduate Numbers Up

September 8, 2010

MACOMB, IL – Western Illinois University's Fall 2010 new freshman, transfer and graduate student enrollments have increased, while total enrollment for the University declined less than one percent due large graduating classes in May 2009 and May 2010, according to 10-day enrollment reports.

Total new freshman student enrollment for Fall 2010 is 1,758, up 117 students from last year, while new transfer student enrollment is up from 1,332 in Fall 2009 to 1,344 in Fall 2010. New graduate student enrollment also increased 4.5 percent to 626 this semester from 599 in Fall 2009.

In addition to an increase in new students, Western's new freshman minority student enrollment is nearly 30 percent of this fall's freshman class, compared to 15 percent five years ago. Western's commitment to students earned the University recognition, for the second consecutive year, from the Center for Student Opportunity's (CSO) "College Access and Opportunity Guide" for the University's retention of first-generation and low-income students. Western was one of only three Illinois public universities cited by the CSO. Western also is the only Illinois public university and the only Midwestern public university cited among 20 other U.S. public institutions by The Education Trust for successful graduation rates for Hispanic students.

The Fall 2010 student headcount of 11,224 at the Western-Macomb campus is down from 11,266 in Fall 2009. The total headcount for the Quad Cities is 1,361 this fall, compared to 1,413 last year. The University's total enrollment is 12,585, compared to 12,679 in Fall 2009.

"We are delighted that more freshman, transfer and graduate students are deciding to attend Western Illinois University, and that we continue to see an increase in our underrepresented student enrollment," said President Al Goldfarb. "While our overall enrollment is down slightly, we have had large graduating classes in the past two years, and we expect to continue the trend of increased freshman, transfer and graduate students. Retaining and graduating our students are our top priorities, so we're pleased that with each year more students are completing their degrees."

In addition, for the sixth consecutive year, Western is ranked among the top tier of best regional universities and is one of only two Illinois public universities ranked among the top 50 in the top tier, according to the U.S. News and World Report. Western is ranked 11th as a top public school among Midwestern Regional Universities, and is also recognized as a "best" institution by U.S. News and World Report for graduation rates; freshman retention rates; least debt (class of 2009); highest proportion of classes under 20; most international students; economic diversity; and racial diversity. Also, for the sixth consecutive year, the Princeton Review has named Western a "Best Midwestern College."

Western has been designated for a second consecutive year as a "Military Friendly School" by G.I. Jobs Magazine, and has been cited as a "best practice" model institution among just 15 U.S. colleges and universities, and the only Illinois university cited by the Southern Regional Educational Board (SREB) for retention and graduation rates.